At the South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF), we’re committed to supporting entrepreneurs whose businesses don’t just create profit—but meet real community needs. One such visionary is Stacia Dawson, founder of Awendaw Sanitation Services LLC and the 2024 LEAP 1st Place Winner.
From Local Roots to Lifeline Service
Born and raised in Awendaw, South Carolina, Stacia’s connection to her community runs deep. She witnessed firsthand how many rural households in the Lowcountry lacked access to consistent, dependable waste collection. Those gaps—though invisible to many—had tangible costs in health, environment, and dignity.
Determined to make a difference, she launched Awendaw Sanitation in 2022. Through her leadership and the support of SCCLF’s LEAP program and financing, the company has grown from a concept into a lifeline for rural communities.
What Awendaw Sanitation Offers
Awendaw Sanitation Services fills a vital role by providing weekly trash collection for both residential and light commercial properties in underserved areas of the Lowcountry. Their service footprint includes communities like Awendaw, McClellanville, Buckhall, Tibwin, Jamestown, Huger, and Shulerville.
Key features of their service model include:
- Local ownership and knowledge — Because the founders are from the area, they understand the terrain, the logistical challenges, and the people.
- Reliable service — Trash is collected weekly (typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays).
- User convenience — Customers no longer need to haul waste themselves to drop-off sites, a burden many in rural areas have long faced.
- Responsive customer care — Their site features glowing testimonials about the company’s communication, responsiveness, and professionalism.
- Hiring to scale responsibly — They’re recruiting CDL drivers and independent operators for local routes in Charleston County.
In short, Awendaw Sanitation doesn’t just pick up trash—they deliver stability, dignity, and peace of mind.
Impact Beyond Waste
What Stacia has built is more than a business, it’s infrastructure. Her company ensures that residents in rural South Carolina aren’t left behind. They are no longer forced to haul waste themselves, skip service, or rely on erratic alternatives.
By bridging this gap, Stacia is strengthening public health, reducing environmental hazards, and restoring equity in basic services. She’s proving that entrepreneurs, especially in under-resourced regions, can be engines of positive change.
SCCLF & LEAP: Fueling Rural Innovation
This journey, from vision to impact, was made possible in part by SCCLF’s LEAP program, which provides technical support, training, and financing to entrepreneurs in communities that often lack access to capital. Through LEAP, Stacia received not only funding but also guidance and connections that helped her scale responsibly and sustainably.
We’re honored to count her among our LEAP success stories. Her work is a reminder that the most essential services are sometimes the ones we forget to celebrate, and the most powerful solutions can come from local, committed leaders.
Learn more about our LEAP program and how we invest in community-driven solutions here.